Web Developer Salary: 2024 Guide

What is a web developer?

Web developers design and create websites. They often oversee a site’s performance, maintenance, and capacity. Web developer responsibilities can include:

• Creating site content

• Designing the look and feel, or user interface (UI), of a site

• Creating a smooth and intuitive user experience (UX)

• Building and coding the structure of a site 

• Testing site functionalities 

Read more: What Does a Web Developer Do (and How Do I Become One)?

Types of web developers

The average salary of a web developer can change depending on the type of web development they specialize in. There are three different types of web developers: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Back-end developers create and code the foundational structure and functionality of a website, while front-end developers design the look and feel of the website that visitors experience. Full-stack developers combine these skill sets to work on any aspect of a website’s design and functionality. 

Job outlook for web developers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 23 percent job growth for web developers and digital designers through 2031 [1]. Understanding what you can expect to earn through this dynamic career may help you determine if a web development career is the right path for you.  

What is the average salary of a web developer?

The average annual pay for web developers in the US is $81,957, according to Glassdoor [2]. This figure includes a base salary of $77,367 and an average additional yearly pay of $4,589. Additional pay insights can include commissions, bonuses, and profit-sharing. Many factors can influence salaries, such as skill set, location, and level of experience. 

Factors affecting web developer salary

The following sections outline the factors that can influence your salary. Keep in mind that new web developers typically earn less than experienced professionals. Developers with certifications or specialized education can make more. There are many steps you can take to build your expertise and earn the salary you desire.

Education

Web developers must know how to code. Programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Python, or Ruby are common depending on whether you are doing front-end or back-end development. You can build your programming knowledge and display your expertise with Professional Certificates and an associate degree. You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to work as a web developer, but those with a post-secondary degree tend to earn higher salaries. Also, some companies may look for web developers with degrees in specific fields, such as computer science or programming.

Bachelor’s degrees can also position web developers to work in managerial roles and earn additional income. For example, computer and information system managers earn an annual median salary of $159,010, according to the BLS [3].

For many who are starting to look for a web development job, learning the basics is an important step. Online specialization courses can begin the educational journey. The University of Michigan offers Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization, while Johns Hopkins University offers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers. 

Certifications

Web developers can qualify for more specialized jobs—and earn better salaries—by mastering specific skills used in complex online projects. These skills are often ever-changing, and successful web developers consider lifelong learning an important part of their career path. 

Job descriptions often include the specific skills that employers seek. Here is a list of skills that could benefit your salary:

• Backbone.js 

• Angular 

• Node.js

• React

• Java

Many online courses are available to build skills and earn Professional Certificates. For example, IBM’s Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate and the Google UX Design Professional Certificate.

Level of experience

As a web developer, every project is an opportunity to grow your portfolio and gain experience. In time, this can result in higher pay. Glassdoor estimates the average total pay for three main levels of expertise as follows [2]:

Entry-level web developer salary

Entry-level web developers typically have one to three years of experience and earn an average yearly wage of $71,410.

• Salary range: $46,000 to $112,000

Junior web developer salary

Junior or intermediate-level web developers typically have four to six years of experience and earn $79,916 per year on average.

• Salary range: $50,000 to $128,000

Senior web developer salary

Senior or advanced-level web developers typically have seven to nine years of experience and earn an average annual pay of $84,969.

• Salary range: $53,000 to $138,000

Specializations

*Note: All salary information was sourced from Glassdoor in July 2023.

As you gain expertise and experience as a web developer, your career path will likely lead you to new opportunities. Your job title can play a role in the amount of money you make as a web developer. For example, a PHP developer earns $108,173 per year on average in the US. A Java developer makes an average yearly wage of $96,937.

Front-end web developer salary

In the US, front-end web developers earn a total yearly wage of $84,530. This figure includes a base salary of $79,564 and $4,966 in average additional pay.

Full-stack web developer salary

In the US, full-stack web developers earn a yearly wage of $97,155. This figure includes a base salary of $91,537 and $5,617 in average additional pay.

Back-end developer salary

In the US, back-end web developers earn a yearly wage of $105,453. This figure includes a base salary of $99,558 and $5,895 in average additional pay.

Company size

About 6 percent of web developers are self-employed [4]. They have the freedom to set their rates and select their projects. But the vast majority of web developers work for companies of varying sizes and industries.

Sometimes, the smaller the company, the less it can pay its employees. Larger companies often have the means to offer bonuses, profit sharing, and commission on top of base salaries. They may also provide additional benefits to compete for the best web developers in today’s marketplace. 

Industry and salary

Web developers can find employment in many fields since nearly every industry requires an online presence for success. But some industries employ more web developers—and the pay rate can vary based on which industry you choose. 

The most popular industries for employment, along with the average salary, are:

• Computer systems design: $77,450

• Other information services: $77,210

• Educational services: $64,380

• Advertising, public relations, and related services: $63,240 [5]

Location and salary

Due to cost of living variations and industry hubs, salaries vary by city. The highest-paid web developers live in:

• San Francisco, CA, with an average base salary of $127,499

• Atlanta, GA, with an average base salary of $102,335

• Houston, TX, with an average base salary of $97,363

• New York, NY, with an average base salary of  $78,938

• Los Angeles, CA, with an average base salary of $89,718

• Chicago, IL, with an average base salary of $86,241

• Grand Rapids, MI, with an average base salary of $78,659

• Miami, FL, with an average base salary of $74,218 per year

• Troy, MI, with an average base salary of $68,214 [6]

Company and salary

Web developers can also expect variations in salary based on the company that’s hiring. For example, Tata Consultancy Services offers an average salary of $102,473 a year, while Wells Fargo offers an average salary of $127,104 a year. Google pays an average of $208,965 a year, while Amazon pays web developers an average of $181,390 a year [2].

Some companies also offer commissions, enhanced benefits packages, and other perks. Consider health care benefits, retirement packages, and the ability to work remotely in your salary negotiations. 

Become a web developer with Coursera

If you’re ready to embark on a career as a web developer, you’ll want to start mastering the skills employers look for. Meta offers Professional Certificates for both front-end and back-end web development. In these beginner-friendly, self-paced online courses, you'll learn key technical skills, build a portfolio, and gain exclusive access to the Meta Career Programs Job Board upon completion.